09/08/2021
We have experienced the excitement, and anticipation that leads up to baptism, but once we have been buried with Christ, and raised to put on warm dry clothes, what comes next? What do we feel and do the day after our baptism? Some feel a bit of a let down as the excitement ebbs, others feel like they are charged with electricity, but many have a sense that something big is about to happen, yet they just don’t know what. This is what every pilgrim feels once they reach the starting point of their pilgrimage, and so it is with every Christian as they begin their journey of faith, walking with Jesus in the newness of life.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:4 KJV
Three days ago two of my good friends became our brother and sister in Christ as they answered God’s call, and were baptized by being immersed in the living waters of a local river. As my pastor raised them up from the clear water they were greeted by cheers, and the shouts of the Saints, as we welcomed them to the life which now awaited them. We also remembered this day in our own lives, and had individual recollections of how we had stepped into our new lives with Jesus, and all the days since then.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
We watched this rebirth, and recalled our own feelings of the next day, and all those days that have followed since beginning this awesome quest for God’s will, the introduction of the Holy Spirit, receiving spiritual gifts for our journey ahead, and each of the many blessings and experiences of traveling this magnificent way. It was like an old married couple who upon attending a wedding, is swept back to that day when the excitement was their own, and the newness of life together held so much promise, love, desire, mystery, and yes, a touch of fear too, as they had faced the unknown future together.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
When we exit the waters of baptism, we have done nothing to have earned this moment except to accept God as our Lord, and Jesus as our Savior. All we are now feeling, the joy, the peace, the incredible charge of excitement, forgiveness, and our spiritual awakening, is a gift. Every day, and each act of faith in our lives that we will experience, will be the same… orchestrated by God, and proctored by the Holy Spirit. We are on a guided tour of an awe inspiring way to eternity, and all we have to do is obediently walk, and to long for our next step. This is our next day after baptism, and every day thereafter until Jesus comes to announce that we have arrived at our destination… glorifying God, walking with Jesus, obeying God’s commandments, and doing His will…or in other words, being like Jesus; even in His resurrection.
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”
Romans 6:5 KJV
So to those who are just now experiencing the day after, or are contemplating your own baptism, this is what awaits... Every day is new, and your journey will be incredible, but rest assured that there will be good and bad days along the way. You will face hardships, disappointments, sorrows, and heartbreaks, in the world, but Your God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, will never abandon you, and lift you over every hurdle you face. You will find rest and peace that is beyond description, and days of joy that will fill you to bursting. You have embarked on more than a nice leisurely stroll in the countryside, you are beginning the adventure of a lifetime… an eternal life with God Himself. Are you ready?
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:3 KJV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for our rebirth, and the new life that awaits us following our baptism. We thank you for our salvation by faith, but we are thrilled by the prospect of a new and righteous life through baptism. Help us Father to walk this pilgrim’s way as we journey towards eternity with you, and make us more like Jesus with each step we take; perfecting us as we travel, and lifting us up in your arms when we have arrived at your gates. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who leads us into the death of Christ in baptism, and then resurrects us into life everlasting. We praise your name Father for not only our day after baptism, but every new day, and all that each one holds, because through the peace, rest, and especially the challenge, you are always there with us, and your promises of hope are true. Merciful are you who lifts up the downtrodden, and amazing is your grace that cuts through our inadequacies to redeem us. In the blood of Christ we are washed clean of sin, and through the baptism of water, and Spirit, we are made new… prepared to be in your presence, and to reside in your house for all eternity. All glory is yours Father, and forevermore, from this moment, the days after baptism, and all that follows, we will worship you, and love you with all we are.
“knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:6-11 KJV
Rich Forbes